The Purple Book

IV, SC Furosemide

• a loop diuretic - inhibits tubular reabsorption of Na+ & Cl- in the proximal & distal tubules & thick ascending loop of Henle by inhibiting the Na-Cl cotransport system. Causes excessive excretion of water as well as Na, Cl, Mg and Ca especially after initial dose.
• useful in HF patients because of reduced oral absorption resulting from gut oedema
• diuresis following SC furosemide reaches max at 2-3/24 and lasts about 4/24

Cannula insertion

• best sites for SC Furosemide - upper chest but upper arm can be used
• prepare injection site with alcohol wipe, pinch skin to create hump and insert cannula
• attach luer lock

Elastomeric pump setup

• ensure appropriate dose has been calculated - usual oral dose in 24/24 would be the starting IV infusion for the 24/24 period but delivered over 12/24 for those patients who do not have an in-dwelling catheter
• draw up prescribed furosemide dose and dilute with NSaline to 60ml total
• infuse solution into elastomeric pump chamber via the luer lock infusion port
• connect elastomeric pump tubing to luer lock of cannula

Elastomeric pump